Someone explain to me where I went wrong... I feel like I’m is conspicuous 50 year old woman in animal print lycra at an 18-30s bar.

Someone explain to me where I went wrong... I feel like I’m is conspicuous 50 year old woman in animal print lycra at an 18-30s bar.

!!!

 

(read Bra's post above - I was just pointing out that he doesn't like to be categorised as a rap artist himself)

I think in fairness, 'hip-hop' is not as egregious of a label as that covers a far wider palette of sounds & production styles. Tyler won his Grammy for 'Best Rap Album' which is more a misnomer since 'rap' specifically refers to the performance technique, and if you listen to "IGOR", he's singing far more than he's rapping. You could of course make the argument that "IGOR"'s production probably could fit under pop, since it's clear the Grammys take much more liberty when it's for artists they've decided are pop ("thank u, next" being a pop vocal album and "Starboy" being u***n contemporary makes little sense except that one of the artists is white and the other is not). Genres should just be thrown in the toilet though really.

A track that was previously only available on the physical version of the album has been uploaded to YouTube. It's called BOYFRIEND and features Charlie Wilson & Santigold. It's a good tune but not one I would rank near the top of the album.

 

IGOR - Tyler, The Creator - Mellope Album Review

1. IGOR'S THEME (9.2/10)

There are so many distinct and well-placed parts of this song that it feels unreal! The bass, the backing vocals from Lil Uzi Vert, and the millions of random sounds put in just feel like they shouldn't slot well, but somehow Tyler made it into one of the best openers ever. I'm in shock.

2. EARTHQUAKE (7.3/10)

Playboi Carti's uncredited verses felt like a blur to the neo-soul and dreamy R&B chords. As much as I would prefer the song without him, I can't say that he completely ruined it.

3. I THINK (9/10)

A creative blend of soul into a disco-alternative song that highlights how Tyler can manage control without giving up his production values. Also love the backing singers!

4. EXACTLY WHAT YOU RUN FROM YOU END UP CHASING (6/10)

A short interlude where Tyler talks about the song's title and obstacles, along with a clapping and chanting background sound.

5. RUNNING OUT OF TIME (8.1/10)

A song where the title is exactly what the song is about: running out of time, specifically in a relationship. This song has a psychedelic sound that takes the stage along with experimental rap. The production on this feels a lot less beefed up and has less to it; that's not always a bad thing, but in this case I would've liked him to go a little more all out.

6. Magic Wand (7.1/10)

Featuring the viral psychedelic pattern, Tyler states this as his favourite song. I personally wouldn't rank it near his best, but I can still understand why many would have it in their playlists. It feels like one of the most real songs, where the focus shines through on Tyler's West Coast rap rather than going straight for the beat to impress, despite the beat still having many quality factors. Overall though, not in my favourites by him, not even near.

7. A BOY IS A GUN* (9.2/10)

The female vocal sample along with the lively and ear-catching piano was honestly some of the best piano playing I've heard in a while, and those vocals? They place it in a way that doesn't overpower the song but lets the beauty of the composition flow through, which I would prefer.

8. PUPPET (8/10)

Still experimental and still in style as Tyler effortlessly wins the crowd with another uncredited vocal feature; this time it's Kanye West.

9. WHAT'S GOOD (8.5/10)

A song that has a mysteriously distorted sound with the synths constantly going up and down in weird ways that sound aggressive and work with the pattern of intense drums.

10. GONE, GONE/THANK YOU (8.5/10)

Two beautifully crafted songs with concepts and meaning that showcase not only how well Tyler can showcase a sample but also how much quality he can maintain it at.

11. I DON'T LOVE YOU ANYMORE (8.1/10)

Tyler tries to forcefully accept that he doesn't love someone despite it being false; he says this in a traditional Tyler fashion with experimental synth production.

12. ARE WE STILL FRIENDS? (8/10)

A glossy synth sound continues throughout the whole song, and near the end it builds up to a little more instrumental layout where rock guitars, drums, and a high-pitched yell can be heard. I love when music with a simple-to-understand meaning (like this one) has such artistic value. It resonates with you a lot more.

OVERVIEW:

Tyler showcases strong production across the board, with the whole album oozing with fine picks from funk, synths, and even samples! Lyricism-wise, this doesn't back down either, with the lyrics often providing a nice accompaniment to the experimental rap tracks. It's something that's highly replayable, especially for a surreal feeling.

RATING - 8.5/10